Parliamentarians for Diabetes

In 2005 Diabetes New Zealand, with the support of the Hon Jim Sutton, MP, formed the all-party Parliamentarians for Diabetes group.

The purpose of the group is to raise awareness and understanding of diabetes among all Members of Parliament by holding regular briefings and providing updates. These aim to assist Members in making informed policy decisions.

The meetings are held under “Chatham House” rules to allow a free and frank exchange of views, insights and perspectives.  Through the group Diabetes New Zealand seeks to build an in-depth understanding among Parliamentarians of diabetes, its rising numbers and increasing costs.  

The following briefings, updates and presentations have been made since the group began in 2005.

2005
1.    ‘Diabetes-the epidemics of the 21st century’ and ‘How to live with it’

2006
2.    ‘Diabetes and Maori people’
3.    ‘Latest developments in Diabetes Research’
4.    ‘7th International Diabetes Western Pacific Congress’
5.    ‘Transforming New Zealanders nutrition to manage diabetes-the challenge for politicians’ 

2007
6.    ‘The 7 things the government should do to improve diabetes polices in 2007’
7.    ‘Turning Diabetes around in Australia’
8.    ‘Preventing Type 2 diabetes-Better Health, lower spending’
9.    ‘The Diabetes Epidemic: fact or fiction and who cares anyway’?

2008
10.    ‘Diabetes in New Zealand and future Priorities for Action’
11.    ‘The diabetes barriers to DHBs’ for doctors and nurse practitioners’
12.     ‘Diabetes New Zealand launches ‘Parliamentarians for Diabetes in the Western Pacific Region’
13.    ‘From Pigs to what Kevin Rudd did’ - solutions for a New Zealand government

2009 - these presentations are available and can be downloaded 
14.    ‘Diabetes - The Quiet Thief’ by Dr Helen Lunt (9.1 mb)
15.    ‘Diabetes Mellitus. Primary and Secondary Care. Getting the Twain to Meet’ by Dr Jeremy Krebs (1.5 mb)
16.    ‘How do we manage the rising cost of diabetes’? by Dr Rick Cutfield (1.6 mb)
17.    ‘More for Less - Maximising the health spend in Diabetes‘ by Chris Baty (468.0 kb)

2010

18.    'Diabetes and Kidney Disease - The Health & Economic Impact' by Prof. Kelvin Lynn, Medical Director, Kidney Health New Zealand

 Joe Asghar
Chief Executive